($689) Cost to ship a car from Cape Coral, FL to Columbia, SC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 610 miles from Cape Coral, Florida, to Columbia, South Carolina, will run you about $689 to $988. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia to Cape Coral car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Cape Coral to Columbia car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Cape Coral to Columbia:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Cape Coral
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Cape Coral, FL:
- AutoStar Transport Express: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Shaughnessy Overland Express: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Friendly Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Young's Auto Transport Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Towmax Transport Corp: 3.5 out of 5 stars
AutoStar Transport Express
80 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130 US
autostartransport.com
3.78 / 5.0
Customers have praised AutoStar Transport for their quick and efficient service, friendly staff, and reliable communication throughout the process. However, there were concerns about communication lapses once drivers were assigned, particularly related to tracking updates and language barriers with some drivers.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239014
Shaughnessy Overland Express
3845 Beck Blvd # 826, Naples, FL 34114 US
soexinc.com
3.7 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2358733
Friendly Auto Transport
11113 Peace Lilly Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913 US
friendlyautotransport.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3093558
Young's Auto Transport Inc
17121 Cam Ct Suite 8, Fort Myers, FL 33967 US
youngstransportinc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 712741
Towmax Transport Corp
1140-1 Pondella Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33909 US
towmaxautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Towmax Transport receives high praise for its professional service and efficient transport process. Customers specifically commend the helpfulness of staff like Darlene and the courteousness of drivers. However, there are no significant complaints, indicating overall satisfaction with their car transport services.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1274012
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from FL to SC
If you’re planning a move from Cape Coral to Columbia, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Cape Coral to Columbia, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 610-mile journey from Cape Coral to Columbia could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Florida to South Carolina is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Cape Coral to Columbia. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Columbia, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Cape Coral to Columbia car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Cape Coral to Columbia, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Cape Coral to Columbia, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Columbia, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Cape Coral depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Columbia will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 610 miles from Cape Coral to Columbia is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Florida.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Cape Coral and Columbia can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Cape Coral averages 355 days of sunshine each year, but experiences precipitation on 145 days per year. While the summers are very warm, humid, and rainy, the winters in Cape Coral are dry with moderate temperatures.
If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Cape Coral to Columbia during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 610-mile journey from Cape Coral to Columbia makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Cape Coral to Columbia typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Cape Coral and Columbia vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Cape Coral: Effective October 29, 2021, carriers may purchase Florida trip permits online through the FLHSMV Commercial Vehicle Permit Portal. A Florida Temporary Trip Permit is valid for ten (10) days and costs $30.00. Carriers may also contact the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services at (850) 617-3711 weekdays from 8-4:30 to obtain a trip permit.
- Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.
Car insurance requirements
- Cape Coral: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- Columbia: In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
Vehicle inspections
- Cape Coral: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
Driver’s license
- Cape Coral: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- Columbia: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Cape Coral to Columbia?
The cost to ship a car from Cape Coral, FL to Columbia, SC varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Cape Coral to Columbia will range from $689 to $988.
How long will it take to ship my car from Cape Coral to Columbia?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 610 miles from Cape Coral to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Cape Coral to Columbia?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Cape Coral to Columbia. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Cape Coral to Columbia?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Cape Coral to Columbia than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 610-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
